Small Things Like These movie review & film summary (2024) - Movie16

 

"Small Things Like These" Review: A Quietly Haunting Tale of Ireland's Past

"Small Things Like These," directed by Tim Mielants and adapted from Claire Keegan’s acclaimed 2020 novel, delivers a powerful exploration of Ireland's dark history of the Magdalene Laundries. With an understated yet deeply moving performance by Cillian Murphy, the film reveals how systemic abuses perpetrated by religious institutions were often shielded by societal silence. Anchored in a small Irish town preparing for Christmas, this story is a haunting reminder of the scars left by a theocratic regime that blurred the lines between church and state.

The Haunting Legacy of Magdalene Laundries

The Magdalene Laundries were institutions that combined orphanages, homes for unwed mothers, and workhouses. Operated predominantly by Catholic religious orders, these facilities often forced women and girls into unpaid labor under the guise of "moral rehabilitation." Tragically, many girls were sent there simply for being perceived as flirtatious or “fallen.” Babies born in these institutions were frequently taken from their mothers and adopted without consent, generating profits for the laundries. The physical and emotional abuse endured by these women was harrowing, leaving behind a legacy of pain that persists today. Shockingly, the last of these laundries only closed in the mid-1990s.

In "Small Things Like These," these atrocities are illuminated through a fictional lens that feels all too real, making the audience grapple with the harsh realities of Ireland's past.

Cillian Murphy’s Stellar Performance

Cillian Murphy delivers a masterful portrayal of Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man whose quiet existence is disrupted by a chilling discovery. Murphy’s performance is both understated and intensely evocative. Through subtle expressions and restrained dialogue, Murphy conveys the internal turmoil of a man grappling with his conscience. Bill’s world changes after he encounters a young girl locked in a convent coal shed, bruised and terrified. This moment forces him to confront not only the injustices around him but also the trauma of his own past.

Bill’s silence and contemplative demeanor are juxtaposed with his growing awareness of the convent's oppressive practices. Mielants often films Murphy from behind or in shadow, creating a sense of detachment that mirrors Bill's internal struggle. When the camera does focus on his face, it reveals a depth of pain, compassion, and anger that speaks volumes without a word.

The Power Dynamics of Silence

The film paints a vivid picture of how power operates within the town. Sister Mary (Emily Watson), the head of the convent, wields significant influence, from running the girls' school to manipulating local perceptions. When Bill tries to intervene after discovering the abused girl, Sister Mary uses thinly veiled threats to ensure his compliance. Her polite yet ominous demeanor exemplifies how institutions like the Magdalene Laundries maintained their grip over communities.

Bill’s moral dilemma intensifies as he realizes that speaking out could endanger his own daughters. This internal conflict highlights the insidious nature of systemic oppression: it thrives on fear and the complicity of those who look the other way.

A Visual and Auditory Experience

Tim Mielants crafts a visually restrained yet profoundly impactful film. The snowy Irish landscape and the austere interiors of the convent contrast with the warmth of Bill's home, emphasizing the dichotomy between hope and despair. Long tracking shots and 360-degree pans immerse the audience in the world of the film, capturing both its beauty and its haunting emptiness.

The sound design is equally compelling. Church bells, a recurring motif, initially signal the festive season but later take on a more menacing tone. Background noises—muffled cries, distant conversations, and the hum of daily life—underscore the layers of silence and complicity that surround the Magdalene Laundries.

Exploring Bill’s Past

Flashbacks to Bill’s childhood reveal the roots of his empathy. Raised by a single mother, Sarah (Agnes O'Casey), who worked as a maid, Bill narrowly escaped the fate of many children born out of wedlock. His mother’s employer, Mrs. Wilson (Michelle Fairley), provided shelter and kindness, sparing them from the horrors of the laundries. These memories drive Bill’s determination to act, even as the risks mount.

A Tale of Quiet Resistance

The film’s title, "Small Things Like These," speaks to the seemingly insignificant acts of kindness and courage that can challenge oppressive systems. Bill’s journey is one of quiet resistance—a refusal to ignore suffering, even when it’s easier to look away. His actions remind viewers that change often begins with individuals who dare to confront injustice, no matter the cost.

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A Warning in the Bells

By the film’s end, the church bells no longer evoke a sense of community or faith. Instead, they serve as a chilling reminder of the Church's pervasive power and the complicity of those who allowed such atrocities to occur.

“Small Things Like These” is a sobering exploration of Ireland’s history, brought to life through Cillian Murphy’s nuanced performance and Tim Mielants’ thoughtful direction. It is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, urging viewers to reflect on the consequences of silence and the importance of speaking out against injustice.

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